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Children and Families Receive Hygiene Kits

02 August 2024

unicef beryl response photo with three adults and two children standing beside a bucket of hygiene items — Caption: UNICEF is on the ground supporting the most affected children. The hygiene kits consist of toothpaste, toothbrushes, laundry detergent, bar soaps, rags, handwashing soap, sanitary napkins, flashlight and mosquito repellent. Water points will be established as well as child friendly spaces as part of UNICEF's response.

Photo: © UNICEF

11,000 children to be supported by UNICEF initiatives during Hurricane Beryl Response

Sean PryceThis little boy is overcome with happiness after receiving the packages from UNICEF

KINGSTON, 02 August 2024 – Children and their families in Clarendon turned out in their numbers to collect hygiene kits from UNICEF on Tuesday July 30.

Hundreds of people from Rocky Point, Portland Cottage and Lionel Town benefitted from the collaborative effort of the teams from UNICEF and Food for the Poor (FFP) who journeyed to support the communities that have been left reeling from the effects of Beryl. The category 4 hurricane lashed these coastal areas on July 3. Many homes are still without roofs and people’s livelihoods have been destroyed as many are farmers and fisher folk.

The distribution mission is one of many that have taken place shortly after the hurricane. During this visit, UNICEF donated 300 hygiene kits. The kits, packaged in a bucket, contained items such as laundry detergent, toothpaste, toothbrushes, bath soaps, rags, sanitary napkins, mosquito repellent and liquid anti-bacterial handwash.

“UNICEF knows that children and their families are suffering in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl and our focus is on ensuring that they are receiving support in the areas of sanitation and hygiene, which is crucial at this time when their water supply and electricity are affected.

This donation, is part of an ongoing support that UNICEF is providing to the most affected children and their families in these communities.”

Olga Isaza, UNICEF Representative

Sean PryceLittle Rushana, who is called 'Cherish' by her family, holds the attention of Olga Isaza, UNICEF Representative during the distribution mission in Lionel Town as she expressed how happy she was to receive the relief supplies. A curious little girl, Cherish, hurried to call her grandmother when she saw the crowd gathering.

In all 3,600 kits will be distributed to the most affected communities and some 11,000 children will be supported through water points, child friendly spaces among other initiatives including monetary support for families with children under five years old, pregnant and lactating women and people with disabilities.

In her appeal on behalf of children, Ms Isaza is urging communities to protect children from abuse and ill-treatment and to be extra watchful of their well-being.